Staying in Japan for sightseeing or arranging your affairs If you are a first or second year, you may stay in Japan on your current visa (as long as you do not engage in other employment). As for third year JETs, your visas will expire on the same day that your contracts come to an […]
Category: Leaving JET
Breaking Contract
Sad as it may be, every now and then a JET member decides that they cannot continue their job mid-contract, and that they need to break contract and leave the JET Programme. Many circumstances lead to this decision, and it is important to carefully consider the effect that your choice will have on your students, […]
Purchasing your return flights
Last updated: October 2025 As you prepare to finish up on the JET Programme and head back home, one of the entitlements that JETs get are a free (or reimbursed) flight back home that is covered by your CO. This should be stated within your notice of appointment or contract provided by your CO. Conditions […]
Leaving JET
Last updated: October 2025 As you countdown the final months, weeks or days on your JET journey, you should start thinking and planning out the actions and next steps to take as you depart. The JET Programme site has helpful information on the main aspects of departing the JET Programme such as Pension Refund, Reverse […]
The Pension Refund
Last updated: September 2025 During our time on JET, we have been paying into the Japanese pension system. After we leave JET, we are eligible to receive a portion of this money back. There are two payments we are eligible for: the Pension Refund and the Pension Tax Refund. Although we are eligible for these, […]
Certificate of Participation
Another document that you might need to get is a Certificate of Participation. Essentially, this is a bilingual document that certifies that you worked for your contracting organization on the JET Programme for your contract period. If you need one, contact your Contracting Organization and ask them for a Zaishoku Shoumeisho (在職証明書) If you want […]
Career Fairs & Job-hunting in Japan
One of the most stressful aspects about finishing your time on the JET Programme is finding a job whether it be in Japan, back in your home country or another country altogether. To read my latest post on post JET job hunting advice, please visit this post! This post will be focusing on finding a […]
Status of Residence: Temporary Visitor
The following information has been taken from CLAIR’s 2014 After Jet Guide. CLAIR is not responsible for Visa issues and the following information should be useful only as a guide. To ensure that the following information is correct for your own situation, we suggest that you contact the Kobe District Immigration Office at 078-391-6377. If you […]
Police Clearance Certificate
After you go back home, some programs in some countries will require that you get a police clearance certificate (犯罪経歴証明書). For example, if you want to become a teacher in New Zealand, you will probably need a police clearance certificate to become registered. If this is the case, make sure you get one before you […]